The Best Pubs in Margate
Margate’s pub scene is as diverse as its seaside character, mixing historic coaching inns from the 1700s with modern microbreweries and craft beer taprooms. Spread across this north Kent coastal town of 61,000 people, you’ll find everything from cosy locals’ spots with real fires and sea views to lively sports bars and dog friendly gardens. Many venues offer their own brews, creative cocktails, and outdoor seating, all set against the backdrop of Margate’s golden sands and coastal charm. Come explore the best pubs in Margate.


1. Xylo Brewing Ltd
Unit 1, Imperial House, 2-14 High St, Margate CT9 1AT, UK
Head straight to Xylo Brewing Ltd for a seaside microbrewery and sunset tap room that’s pure magic! Their own craft beers, from a gluten-free pilsner to a fruited sour, are flawless, and the cocktail list—like the passionfruit sour and chilli margarita—is absolutely delicious. Bring your dog, grab a drink, and watch the sun dip while enjoying outstanding value and incredibly friendly service. It’s a perfect spot to settle in with a cold one and soak up the coastal charm.


2. The Tap Room
Northdown Parade, 4 Prices Ave, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2NR, UK
For a cracking pint in a place that truly has it all, The Tap Room is an absolute gem. Grab a seat on the sunny front terrace or sink into the dark, cosy interior while enjoying an excellent selection of craft beers, wine, or cocktails. It’s dog friendly, brilliant for groups, and the friendly team even lets you order pizza straight to your table. Whether you’re after a chilled afternoon or a high energy buzz with sports and music, this lively spot delivers fantastic value and a warm welcome every time.


3. The Shakespeare
Shakespeare Hotel, 1 Canterbury Rd, Westbrook, Margate CT9 5AQ, UK
Step into The Shakespeare, a cosy local with jaw dropping sea views that make every pint feel special. They serve a fantastic selection of local ales, wines, and cocktails, and it’s the perfect spot for groups or a relaxed afternoon with your dog by your side. The mid century inspired decor, beautiful wooden bar, and booth seating create a warm, inviting space where the friendly team adds to the magic. Settle in by the window, order a pizza from a nearby spot to your table, and enjoy a truly memorable seaside pub experience.
Photo by Robert Eva — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. Fez
40 High St, Margate CT9 1DS, UK
Tucked away like a treasure chest of curiosities, Fez is an absolute gem where the frozen margaritas are dangerously good and the welcome is even warmer. The decor is a beautiful, eclectic wonderland that feels like a friend’s impossibly cool living room, with live music adding to the good times. It’s dog friendly, wonderfully affordable, and the sort of place where you’ll leave with a full heart and a new favourite spot. Perfect for groups and anyone who loves brilliant drinks and a truly special vibe.


5. The Lord Byron
111-113 Byron Ave, Margate CT9 1TX, UK
Discover The Lord Byron, a wonderfully affordable back street gem where 60 gins, 16 vodkas, and a solid walnut bar set the stage for cracking good times. Pull up a chair in the lovely garden or settle in by the pool and dart boards, all while enjoying live music and every Sky and BT Sports event. It’s brilliantly dog friendly, perfect for groups, and the kind of place where the friendly regulars and super efficient team make you feel right at home. Whether you’re tucking into tasty sandwiches with a big group or sampling excellent burgers in the beer garden, this old school pub with a high standard of decor delivers fantastic value and a genuinely warm welcome.
Photo by Chris Whippet — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. The George & Heart House
44 King St, Margate CT9 1QE, UK
Nestled in a lovingly restored 18th century coaching inn, The George & Heart House is a total gem where a cosy pub, cracking restaurant, and a hidden garden nook all come together. They serve up fantastic beer, wine, and cocktails, and the whole place is brilliantly dog friendly and perfect for groups, with outdoor seating that’s ideal for lazy afternoons. The rooms upstairs are a boutique dream, packed with quirky art and thoughtful touches, making it just as easy to settle in for a quick drink as it is to stay the night. With a welcoming, local feel that keeps regulars coming back, this is a vibrant hotspot that truly delivers on charm and good times.
Photo by Rod Grealish — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. Rose in June
49-50 Trinity Square, Margate CT9 1HT, UK
Just a short stroll from the golden sands, the Rose in June is a historic gem from the early 1800s that has been stylishly refreshed while keeping all its original charm. This dog-friendly spot is perfect for groups, with outdoor seating and a real fire, where you can sip expertly shaken cocktails, a fine wine, or a great beer in brilliantly quirky surroundings. The lively, welcoming energy makes it an absolute must-visit for a memorable drink or a delicious bite in a place steeped in seaside history.
Photo by Keith Edkins — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. Canterbury Bell
481 Margate Rd, Westwood, Broadstairs CT10 2QD, UK
The Canterbury Bell is a wonderful, family friendly pub that serves up seriously tasty food, from halloumi flatbreads to hunter’s chicken schnitzel, all at a great value especially with their 40% off mains deal. With a spacious patio and beer garden perfect for groups, plus a warm welcome for muddy paws, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed meal or leisurely drinks. The service is consistently brilliant, the menu is packed with crowd pleasing favourites, and the whole place has a stylish yet cosy feel that makes every visit a treat.
Photo by Chris Whippet — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


9. The Swan, Westgate-on-Sea
75 Sea Rd, Westgate-on-Sea CT8 8QG, UK
The Swan is a true gem on the seafront, a welcoming traditional pub that serves up a cracking pint, a fine wine, or a refreshing cocktail in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Their Sunday carvery is an absolute must, delivering generous portions of delicious, classic fare that keeps regulars coming back time and again. With a private function room perfect for groups, a packed calendar of live music and quizzes, and a dog friendly policy, this spot is ideal for everything from a lively gathering to a quiet drink with a sea view. The friendly, efficient team ensures every visit is a brilliant one, whether you're stopping in after a coastal walk or celebrating a special occasion.
Photo by Chris Whippet — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. The Lifeboat by Floc.
1 Market St, Margate CT9 1EU, UK
Pull up a stool at The Lifeboat by Floc, a historic 1700s corner pub that’s been given a brilliant modern twist. They pour an incredible range of their own vibrant craft beers, alongside excellent wine and cocktails, all best enjoyed by a crackling wood burning stove or in the dog friendly outdoor seating. The sawdust on the floor and welcoming buzz make it a proper boozer where you can settle in for hours, and the friendly team is always ready with a recommendation. It’s a fantastic spot for a relaxed pint with friends, offering great value and a truly memorable seaside pub experience.




